tood
opposite the grand plaza of the capital city. Shortly before midnight a
cloaked individual stealthily approached and slipped behind the statue of
the Spanish king near the fountain in the plaza. From this lurking-place
he watched the movements of the sentinels, as they walked until they met
face to face, and then turned back to back for their brief walk in the
opposite direction.

It was a delicate movement to slip between the soldiers during the short
interval when their eyes were turned from the entrance, but the stranger
at length adroitly effected it, darting lightly and silently across the
short space and hiding himself behind one of the pillars of the palace
before they turned again. During their next turn he entered the palace,
now safe from their espionage, and sought the broad flight of stairs which
led to the governor's rooms with the confidence of one thoroughly familiar
with the place.

[Illustration: THE GOVERNOR-GENERAL'S PALACE, HAVANA.]

THE GOVERNOR-GENERAL'S PALACE, HAVANA.

At the head of the stairs there was another guard to be passed, but this
the stranger did with a formal military salute and an air of authority as
if his right to enter was beyond question. His manner quieted all
suspicion in the mind of the sentinel, and the newcomer entered the
governor's room unchallenged, closing the door behind him.

Before him sat the governor-general in a large easy-chair, quite alone and
busily engaged in writing. On seeing him thus unattended the
weather-beaten face of the stranger took on a look of satisfaction.
Evidently his secret plans had worked fully to his desire. Taking off his
cloak, he tossed it over his arm, making a noise that attracted the
governor's attention. Tacon looked up in surprise, fixing his eyes keenly
upon his unlooked-for visitor.

"Who is this that enters, at this late hour, without warning or
announcement?" he sternly asked, looking in doubt at the unknown face.

"One who brings information that the governor-general wants. You are he, I
believe?"

"I am. What do you want? And how did you, a stranger, pass my guard
without challenge?"

"That is not the question. Your Excellency, I understand, has offered a
handsome reward to any one who will put you on the track of the rovers of
the gulf?"

"Ha! is that your errand?" exclaimed Tacon, with sudden interest. "What
know you of them?"

"Excellency, I must speak with caution," said the st